Introduction — World-Class Reconstruction Without Leaving Rhode Island
For many women recovering from breast cancer surgery, the next step — reconstruction — is deeply personal. The goal isn’t just to restore the breast, but to restore confidence and normalcy.
Until recently, women across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts were told that DIEP flap breast reconstruction was only available in Boston.
That’s no longer true.
At Kent Hospital in Warwick, RI, The DIEP Group provides the most advanced, natural breast reconstruction available — close to home. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained microsurgeons performs over 200 DIEP flap procedures each year, giving women local access to the gold standard in breast reconstruction surgery.
“I was preparing to travel to Boston until I found The DIEP Group in Warwick. The care was exceptional — and my results are incredible.”
— Caroline P., Providence, RI
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is the most advanced, muscle-sparing form of breast reconstruction.
It uses your own lower abdominal skin and fat to rebuild the breast after mastectomy — without using implants or removing muscle.
Key Benefits of DIEP Flap Reconstruction
- 100% natural tissue — no implants or foreign materials
- Softer, warmer, more natural than silicone
- Permanent — no need for replacement surgeries
- Safe and effective after radiation therapy
- Abdominal contouring similar to a tummy tuck
DIEP flap surgery requires microsurgical expertise — connecting tiny blood vessels under a high-powered microscope — and only highly specialized surgeons are trained to perform it.
The DIEP Group — Rhode Island’s Center for Advanced Reconstruction
Board-Certified Microsurgeons
Every DIEP Group surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery and has advanced fellowship training in microsurgical breast reconstruction.
This exclusive focus ensures meticulous precision and consistent outcomes.
Regional Leadership
Our team performs hundreds of DIEP flap reconstructions annually, serving women across Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod.
We work in collaboration with local breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, oncologists, and hospitals — bringing large academic-level care to a community setting.
Hospital-Based Safety
All procedures are performed at Kent Hospital in Warwick, a fully accredited facility with specialized microsurgical nursing and flap monitoring teams.
“I was nervous about having surgery in Rhode Island, but Kent Hospital and The DIEP Group were amazing. I received world-class care without leaving my state.”
— Rachel A., Cranston, RI
DIEP Flaps Compared to Implants
Many women who initially chose implants later seek DIEP flap reconstruction — especially after complications like:
- Capsular contracture (hardening and pain around the implant)
- Implant rupture or recall
- Post-radiation tightness or deformity
- Cold or unnatural implant feel
- Recalled textured silicone implants
Why Patients Are Choosing DIEP Flaps
- Feels soft, warm, and natural
- No foreign materials
- No risk of rupture or leakage
- Lifelong durability
- Improves abdominal contour at the same time
Women who’ve made the switch often describe it as “life-changing.”
“My implants were tight and painful after radiation. The DIEP flap feels like me again — soft, natural, and comfortable.”
— Erin M., Fall River, MA
Insurance Coverage in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
DIEP flap reconstruction is covered by all major private insurance plans under federal law (The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998).
This includes immediate, delayed, and revision reconstruction — even years after mastectomy or implant placement.
Common Insurance Plans in the Region
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
- UnitedHealthcare and UHC Oxford
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Tufts Health Plan
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
(The DIEP Group does not participate with Medicaid, Medicare, or Tricare plans.)
Our insurance team handles every step of authorization, pre-certification, and appeals — making reconstruction accessible and stress-free.
DIEP Flap Surgery at Kent Hospital in Warwick
All surgeries are performed at Kent Hospital, a high-quality regional center equipped with modern operating suites and specialized postoperative flap monitoring.
Typical Recovery
Patients stay in the hospital for two nights, allowing our microsurgical team to monitor healing and ensure flap success.
We coordinate postoperative care with your local providers for a seamless recovery experience.
Serving Patients Across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts
The DIEP Group proudly serves patients from:
Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, Warwick, East Providence, Newport, Woonsocket, and South County — as well as Fall River, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.
For women in Southeastern Massachusetts, Kent Hospital is closer and more convenient than traveling to Boston — offering specialized reconstruction without the commute or city hospital delays.
“I drove from New Bedford to Warwick for my surgery — 45 minutes instead of hours in Boston traffic. The DIEP Group made it worth every mile.”
— Lindsay T., New Bedford, MA
The DIEP Group Advantage
- Over 200 DIEP flap surgeries annually
- Fellowship-trained, board-certified microsurgeons
- Insurance-covered reconstruction for all mastectomy patients
- Hospital-based surgeries for maximum safety
- Expert revision of failed or radiated implant reconstructions
- Compassionate care and long-term follow-up
Every patient is treated as an individual — with reconstructive plans tailored to anatomy, goals, and personal history.
Why You Don’t Need to Travel to Boston
For years, Boston was the only regional option for advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction. But that’s changed.
The DIEP Group has brought big-city expertise to Rhode Island, allowing patients to stay close to home — near family and support systems — while receiving nationally recognized care.
Our outcomes rival top academic centers, with the personalized touch of a boutique reconstructive practice.
“I met surgeons in Boston and Warwick — the choice was easy. The DIEP Group had the same expertise and made me feel cared for.”
— Tara B., Providence, RI
Conclusion — Natural, Personalized Reconstruction at Kent Hospital
Whether you live in Rhode Island or Southern Massachusetts, you deserve world-class, natural breast reconstruction without leaving your community.
At The DIEP Group, our microsurgeons specialize exclusively in DIEP flap breast reconstruction — combining precision, artistry, and compassion to restore what breast cancer took away.
The DIEP Group – Rhode Island Division
Kent Hospital – Warwick, RI
203-200-0828
